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In the olden days, budding geniuses picked up a paintbrush or sharpened their quill. But judging by the preponderance of short films at the Turner Prize - supposedly an event for painters and sculptors - the camera now holds the key.
So who exactly is going to seize the mantle of Scorsese, Lynch and Loach? Well, if you're curious about the efforts of up-and-coming moviemakers, you could hardly do better than head for Krakow this November. The Etiuda and Anima Festival has been a beacon for young filmmakers for fourteen years now, and a number of stars have made their name at the event, not least Oscar winner Florian Gallenberger. 
Etiuda and Anima swings open its doors to film and art school students across the globe. Young hopefuls compete for the coveted gold, silver and bronze dinosaurs (although technically these chaps are jabberwockies!). Feature, documentary and experimental films are all in the running. And if you're not shacked up at and arts school you're still in with a chance. students. Since 1996, the festival has broadened its horizons to include animated films, and independent artists are welcome to submit their work.
Alongside the Etiuda and Anima competitions, there's a smorgasboard of complementary events that are sure to tantalise Krakow's legions of film buffs. Krakheads can savour a selection of Germany's finest avant-garde films, and there'll be a special programme entitled '50 years of English Free Cinema'.
On the animated front, a special Golden Jabberwocky will be awarded to Estonian legend Priit Parn (b.1946), creator of such animated classics as Night of the Carrots and Breakfast on the Grass. Mr. Parn is now a teacher at the Arts Academy of the Turku Polytechnic, Finland, and all his most acclaimed work will be screened during the festival. These animated aces will be complemented by short films by Parn's proteges in Turku.
Film buffs should pencil in Kino Kijow, Krakow's legendary cinema which boasts the biggest screen in the entire city. Competing films will also be shown at the quirky Rotunda Club, just round the corner.
All in all, Etiuda & Anima looks set to provide a feast for film lovers. Don't miss it if you're in Krakow this November!
XIV Etiuda & Anima Film Festival
November 16th-22nd, 2007
Krakow, Poland
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